Shouldn’t every day be a world mental health day? The World Health Organization wants mental health to be a top global priority. It matters that we have good services that provide support in a timely manner; it’s also important that we do what we can to look after ourselves.
What can help to improve your mental health and wellbeing? Are you getting enough sleep? How often do you go outside? Do you spend time with people whose company you enjoy? All of these factors can affect your wellbeing, but there is a danger that they become part of a tick box exercise: seven hours of sleep – tick; half an hour outside – tick.
Instead, I would invite you to reflect on what has worked in the past for you. Think back to an occasion when you felt safe; content; cared for; happy; rested. What was the situation? Where were you? Was there anyone else there? Do you recall any images, sounds or scents? Take a few moments to reflect on this and notice any feelings that you might experience as you do so. Now, consider whether you are able to draw inspiration from this process. Even if you are not able to recreate the situation, you now have a mental image to reach for in stressful times.